Sheet feeder



Dec. 13, 1938. Y J. H. MCELROY ET AL SHEET FEEDER 19157 '7 Sheets-Shem,1

Filed June 15,

INVENTORS JOHN H. McELROY EDWARD J. YEO

FREDERCK G. B!NDER ATTORNEY DeC. 13, 1938. MCELROY ET AL 2,140,023

SHEET FEEDER Filed June 15, 1957 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 mvzm'oas JOHN H.McELROY EDWARD J. YEO

FREDERICK s. BINDER ATTORN Y Dec. 13, 1938. J. H MCELROY ET AL 7Sheets-Sheet s Filed INVENTORS JOHN H. Mc ELROY EDWARD J. YEO

FREDERICIK s. BINDER ATTORNEY Dec. 13, 1938. J. H. MCELROY ET AL SHEETFEEDER Filed June 15, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 viii/3%., 13 1938 J. MCELROYET AL SHEET FEEDER Filed June 15, 1957 '7 Sheets-Sham 6 FREDERlCK G.BINDER 500 R5 E o L Y m E m J Maw 4 N m m o BY. I ATTORNEY Dec. 13,1938.

J. H. MCELROY ET AL .SHEET FEEDER 7 sheets-sneet 7 Filed June 15, 1937Fig. 11

INVENTORS JOHN H. McELROY EDWARD J YEO FREDERICK G. BINDER ATTORNEYUNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SHEET FEEDER John H. McElroy and Edward J.Yeo, Pearl River,

N. Y., and Frederick G. Binder, Philadelphia,

Pa., assignors York, N. Y., a.

to Dexter Folder Company, New corporation of New York Application June15, 1937, Serial No. 148,380

35 Claims.

This invention relates to sheet feeders and while capable of general useis particularly adapted for embodiment in feeders for feeding sheets ofcardboard or other relatively stiff material to printing presses,cutting and creasing machines, and various other instrumentalitiesoperating on material of this character.

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved feederthat will separate and feed cardboard or other relatively stiff materialfrom a pile more rapidly and efficiently than sheet feeders heretoforeemployed for this purpose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved feederhaving a relatively small number of parts of simple and durableconstruction requiring little if any attention by the attendant.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a feeder havingimproved sheet winding and hold down devices so constructed thatcompressed air may be utilized to operate said devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a feeder havingimproved means for rapidly operating the elevator automatically atdifferent speeds to load it.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a feeder having acommon drive for the rapid elevator operating means and the vacuum andair supplying pump, with means for selectively controlling the operationof the same.

These and other objects of the present invention will appear as thefollowing description thereof proceeds and in order to more clearlyunderstand said invention reference may be had to the accompanyingdrawings which illustrate one embodiment thereof.

In said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the feeder embodying the present inventionand particularly adapted to feed sheets of cardboard;

Figs. 2 and 3 are front and rear elevations respectively of the feedershown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of said feeder with parts omitted for purposesof clearer illustration;

Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the feeder shown inFigs. 1 to 4;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged side elevation partly in section of one of thesheet winding and pile winding units and suppor ing means therefor;

Fig. 7 is a front elevation of the devices and supporting means thereforillustrated in Fig. 6;

' Fig. 8 is an enlarged side elevation of two speed mechanism forrapidly operating the elevator;

Fig. 9 is a vertical transverse sectional view on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8showing the means for controlling the low speed drive;

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view on the line Ill-l0 of Fig. 9showing the low speed driving means in operating position;

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view on the line Hll of Fig. 9 showingthe high speed driving means in inoperative position;

Fig. 12 is a vertical transverse sectional view similar to Fig. 9showing the means for controlling the high speed drive;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged side elevation of the elevator operating discshown in Figs. 8 to 10 and 12; and

Fig. 14 is an enlarged side elevation partly in section showing the geardrive for the two speed elevator operating mechanism, and the means fordisconnecting the pawl and ratchet mechanism.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designatelike parts throughout the several views, the various movable parts ofthe feeder as well as certain stationary parts thereof may be mounted ona frame of any suitable construction and the movable parts may beactuated or driven by any suitable means. As herein shown, said frameand driving means are preferably constructed as follows.

The feeder frame is comprised by a pair of front heads 5 and a pair ofrear heads 6 connected together by side members 1 (Figs. 1 to 5). Thefront heads 5 and the rear heads 6 are bolted or otherwise suitablysecured to, and supported -by, upright posts or standards 8 which, inturn, are bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the machinefoundation, the front heads 5 being connected together by stay shafts 9bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto, and the rear heads 6 beingconnected together by a stay shaft it).

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the drive for thefeeder is preferably comprised by an inclined driven jack shaft i Iwhich, in turn, is driven from any suitable source of power (not shown).The upper end of this jack shaft ii is journalled in a suitable bearingin a bracket l2 which is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to one ofthe front heads 5.

Fixed on the upperend of the jack shaft ii is a bevel gear l3 whichmeshes with a similar gear 54 fixed on a shortshaft i5 journalled insuitable bearings in the bracket l2 and the adjacent front head 5. Alsofixed on the short shaft i 5 is a spur pinion l6 which meshes with aspur gear i 7 fixed on a cam shaft i8 extending transversely of thefeeder and journalled in suitable bearings in the heads 5.

' ratchet 28 fixed on the shaft 23.

front heads 5 and also in a center bracket l9 that is bolted orotherwise suitably secured to the stay shafts 9. The feeder includes apile elevator and. operating mechanism therefor preferably constructedas follows.

Secured to or formed integrally with gear I1 is a crank disc 29pivotally connected with one end of a link 2| the opposite end of whichis pivotally connected with a pawl carrier 22 that is loosely mounted onone end of a shaft 23 (Fig. 3). This shaft 23 extends transversely ofthe feeder and is journalled in suitable bearings in brackets 24 (Figs.1 and 3) bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the front heads 5.shaft 23 also has a bearing in a bracket 25 that is bolted or otherwisesuitably-secured to one of the front The shaft 23 is operated atsuitable intervals to raise the pile elevator hereinafter described andsaid operation of said shaft is preferably effected by pawl and ratchetmechanism of the general type disclosed in the application of LeonardBaker, George A. Martin, and Leo C. Williams, Serial No. 116,692, filedDec. 19, 1936.

This pawl pawl carrier 3) having a adapted, under certain and ratchetmechanism includes 'a such as indicated at 22 (Figs. 1 to pawl 26pivoted thereon at 21 and conditions, to engage a It will thus appearthat through oscillation of the pawl carrier 22 by the described drivingconnections therefor and engagement of the oscillating pawl 26 with theratchet 28, the shaft 23 will be intermittently rotated. Fixed on theshaft 23 are right and left hand worms 29 (Fig. 3) which mesh with rightand left hand worm gears 30 that are fixed on shafts 3| (Figs. 1 and 5)journalled in suitable bearings provided by the brackets 24 on the frontheads 5 and brackets 32 bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the sidemembers 1. Fixed on shafts 3| are toothed sheaves 33 in the teeth ofwhich are engaged links of chains 34. When the shafts 3| are rotated inthe proper direction by the described driving means therefor chains 34will be raised and thus raise an elevator comprising side bars 35 andcross beams 36 supported by, and slidable along, the bars 35, the lowerends of said chains being secured as by suitable couplings orconnections 31 to the side bars 35. The cross beams 36 have placedthereon a pile board 38 which, together with a pile of cardboard orother sheets 39, is positioned on said beams through the rear of thefeeder when the elevator is lowered by means for this purposehereinafter described.

The elevator and pile of sheets thereon are raised intermittently by thedescribed means for this purpose as sheets are fed off the top of saidpile by vacuum operated suction separating and forwarding deviceshereinafter described. To keepthe top of said pile at a predeterminedlevel for the operation of said devices any suitable means may beemployed to control the operation of the elevator but as herein shownsaid means is preferably of the type disclosed in the above mentionedapplication Serial No. 116,692.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 5, this control mechanism includes a valvehousing 40 having a valve 4| slidably mounted therein and provided onthe lower end thereof with a socket and ball 42 that rests on the top ofthe pile of sheets 39. As sheets are fed one after another from the topof the pile, the valve 4| will lower by gravity and when a sufficientnumber of sheets have been so fed, the valve will establishcommunication between a flexible conduit 43 and a flexible conduit 44.The conduit 43 is connected with the housing 49 and a source ofcompressed air to be hereinafter described. The conduit 44 is connectedwith the housing 40 and with a plunger housing 45 (Figs. 1, 3 and 14).The plunger housing 45 is carried on a bracket 46 bolted or otherwisesuitably secured to a short shaft 41 that is slidably mounted, for apurpose to be hereinafter described, in lugs or ears 48 (Fig. 3) formedon the bracket 25.

When air under pressure is admitted in conduit 44, the air enters theplunger housing 45 and actuates a spring pressed piston therein to forcea stem 49 (Fig. 14) into the path of a'shoulder 50 formed on a pawl mask5| freely mounted on, and slidable along, the shaft 23. As described inthe pending application previously referred to, this mask 5| normallyoscillates together with the pawl carrier 22 through connectionsprovided for this purpose and holds the pawl 26 out of engagement withthe ratchet 28. When the mask 5| is stopped through engagement of thestem 49 with the shoulder 59 thereon as previously described, the pawl26 through continued oscillation of the pawl carrier 22 will -ride offsaid mask and engage the ratchet 28. The shaft 23 will then be actuatedintermittently by the pawl andratchet mechanism, and through thedescribed connections for said shaft with the elevator, the latter andthe pile of sheets will be raised until the top of the pile is at theproper height at which time the valve 4| lifted by the raised piledisconnects the source of air under pressure from the plunger housing45. The spring for stem 49 then disengages said stem from the shoulder50 on mask 5| and the latter is turned to lift and hold the pawl 26 outof.

engagement with the ratchet 28 until further elevation of the pile isneecssary.

The valve housing 40 is adjustably mounted in a bracket 52 which isbolted or otherwise suitably secured to a rear cross bar 53 (Figs. 3 and4). This cross bar 53 is bolted or otherwise suitably secured tobrackets 54 slidably mounted on side bars 55 which are secured near theforward ends thereof in brackets'56 bolted or otherwise suitably securedto the side members'l, the rear ends of said bars being supported inextensions 51 formed on the rear heads 6. The cross bar 53 and partscarried thereby are therefore adjustable forwardly and rearwardly alongside bars 55 and may be secured in any desired position of adjustment.thereon by thumb screws 58 or the like.

Referring now to Figs. 1, 2 and 5 the feeder has a source of compressedair and vacuum, and driving means therefor, which are preferablymounted, constructed and operated as follows. Clamped or otherwisesuitably secured to one of the front posts or standards 8 is a platform59 to which is bolted or suitably secured an electric motor 60 connectedwith a suitable source of current and controlled for starting, stoppingand reversing purposes by suitable switch means (not shown) Fixed on thearmature shaft 6 I of motor 6|! is a sprocket 62 around which passes achain 63 that also passes around a sprocket 64 that is fixed on a shaft65. This shaft 65 extends transversely of the feeder and is journalledin a suitable bearing in one of the front heads 5 and in a suitablebearing in a bracket 66 (Fig. 2) that is adjustably mounted in a bracket61 which, in turn, is bolted or otherwise suitably secured. to theplatform 59.

Clamped or otherwise suitably secured to the front post or standard 8 atthe opposite side of a the feeder is a platform 88 which has bolted orotherwise suitably secured. thereto a pump (i9 suitably constructed tosupply air under pressure from one part thereof and to create vacuum inanother part thereof.- Fixed. on the shaft 18 of pump 69 is a spur gearII which meshes with a similar gear I2. This gear I2 and a part I3 of aclutch indicated broadly at I4 (Fig. 2) are secured to or formedintegrallycwith each other and loosely mounted on the shaft 65. Theclutch 14 is of well known construction needing no detailed descriptionherein and includes another part 15 which isfixed on theshaft 65'.

The shaft 65 is supported intermediate-the ends thereof by a bracket I6(Figs. 2 and that is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to a shaft 1'!extending transversely of the feeder and fixed in the front heads 5. Thebracket I6 is also adjustably mounted on a bracket I8 that is bolted orotherwise suitably secured to the pump 69.

The exhaust or air pressure side of the pump 69 has connected therewithcorresponding ends of conduits 19 the opposite ends of which areconnected with a compressed air tank 88 disposed beneath the platform 88and clamped thereto by a strap 8| passing around the tank and adjustablysecured to said platform. The compressed air tank 88 has connectedtherewith one end of a conduit 82 (Figs. 2 and 5) in which is located avalve 83 for controlling the pressure of air delivered from the tankthrough said conduit to the parts hereinafter described and connectedtherewith. The opposite end of the conduit 82 is connected with amultiple valve mechanism indicated broadly at 84 (Fig. 2) which ismounted on the upper stay shaft 9 and controls both the air pressureactuated and; vacuum actuated parts of the feeder that will be laterdescribed. This multiple valve mechanism 84 is preferably of the typedisclosed in Patent No. 1,606,016, C. E. Christophel, November 9, 1926.The multiple valve mechanism 84 has connected therewith one end of aconduit 85 the opposite end of which is connected to the vacuum side orpart of the pump 89. Air under pressure is continuously maintained inthe flexible conduit 43 through a conduit 86 (Figs. 2 and 5) having oneend connected with the compressed a r tank 88 and the opposite endconnected with said conduit 43.

The sheets of pile 39 ,are separated one after another at the rear bysuction separating devices to be later described, but before thisoperation takes place the rear upper corners of the pile are winded topreliminarily separate the upper sheets of the pile by comressed airthat is directed through the vertically disposed elongated nozzles 81 ofblow pipes 88 (Figs. 1 and 3 to '7); v

These blow pipes 88 are loosely mounted in suitable openings of bosses89 formed in brackets 98 (Figs..6 and '7) engaged over the rear crossbar 53 and held against displacement therefrom by cover plates 9I boltedor otherwise suitably se cured to the undersde of said brackets. Thebrackets 98 and parts carried thereby are adjust-able along the bar 53toward and away from each other to accommodate vari us sizes of sheetsand may be secured in any desired pos ti f adjustment onsaid bar bythumb screws 92 or the like.

The blow pipes 88 are provided on the topsthereof above the brackets 98with looking and adjusting collars 93 by means of which the pipes may beadjusted vertically to the desired position for action on the upper rearcorner portions of the pile of sheets 39. In order to maintain the blowpipes 88 in the desired position of adjustment, they have mountedthereon below the brackets 98 springs 94 the upper ends of which bearagainst the brackets 98 and the lower ends of which bear againstadjusting collars 95 which are secured to the blow pipes and may be ad-I justed to regulate the tension of said springs. The upper ends of theblow pipes 88 have connected therewith corresponding ends of flexibleconduits 96 the opposite ends of which are connected to correspondingends of conduits 91 (Fig. 4 )-...extending along opposite sides of thefeeder and supported by brackets 98 bolted or otherwise suitably securedto 'the side members I. The opposite ends of the conduits 91 are securedin conduits 91' formed in, and leading through, brackets 99 (Fig. 4)which are bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the side members I andconduits 91' are connected together by a conduit I88 (Figs. 2 and 4)extending transversely of the feeder.

Delivery of compressed air at the required predetermined intervals tothe blow pipes 88 is ei'. fected by a'valve I8I (Figs. 2 and 4) of thevalve mechanism 84 and a conduit I82 having one end connected with saidvalve-and the opposite end connected with the conduit 91' in one of thebrackets 99. The valve It is opened and closed at proper intervals by acam I8I' fixed on and driven by the cam shaft I8.

While the upper rear portions of the pile are being winded as justdescribed. the top sheet of operation of which are the same as themounting,

construction and operation of the vacuum operated suction sheetseparating devices disclosed in application Serial Number 116,692 abovereferred to. These separating devices indicated broadly at I83 (Figs. 1and 3 to 5) each includes a cylinder I84 bolted or otherwise suitablysecured to one arm of a bell crank lever I85 pivotally mounted on one ofthe brackets 98. Each cylinder I84 has slidably mounted therein atpiston(not shown) the tubular rod or stem I88 which projects downwardly beyondthe cylinder and carries on the lower end thereof a rubber suction cupI81 that is vacuum operated in; opposite directions to engage and lift arear dprner of the uppermost sheet of the pile.

The upper ends of cylinders I84 have connected therewith correspondingends of flexible conduits I88 the opposite ends of which are connectedto corresponding ends of -conduits I89 (Fig. 4) extending alongopposite's des of the feeder and supnbrted by the brackets 98. Theopposite ends of conduits I89 are connected with conduits I89 formed inthe brackets 99 and said conduits 189' are connected together by aconduit II8 (Figs. 2 and 4) extending transversely of the feeder.

Vacuum is applied at the proper time in the cylinders I84 so that thesuction cups I81 are actuated in oppos te directions to engage and liftth rear corners of the top sheet. This is effected by a valve I II ofthe valve mechanism 84. Valve I I I has connected therewith one end of aconduit H2 the opposite end of which is connected with the conduit III]and said valve Iii is opened-and closed at proper intervals by a cam IIIthat is fixed on and driven by the cam shaft I8.

After the top sheet of the pile has been lifted at the rear thereof bythe suction cups I01, the lifted sheet is winded to completely separateand lift it from the next sheet therebelow. Winding of the lifted sheetis, in accordance with the present invention, accomplished by windingdevices actuated in one direction by compressed air and actuated in theopposite direction by spring means. These winding devices, indicatedbroadly at H3 (Figs. 1 and 3 to 7), are identical as respectstheirmounting, construction and operation and a description of one ofsaid devices will therefore be sufficient for both of the same. Eachwinding device I I3 comprises an inclined cylinder II4 (Figs. 6 and 7)secured for angular adjustment, as by bolts II5, to a bracket II6 which,in turn, is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to one of the brackets90.

Each cylinder H4 is closed at its opposite ends by caps II1 held inposition by machine screws H8 or the like. Slidably mounted in eachcylinder I I4 is a piston I I 9 the rod or stem of which is comprised bya tube I open at both ends and projecting through the lower cap I I1downwardly beyond the same. Fixed on the lower projecting end of tubeI20 externally of cylinder I I4 is a foot clamp I2I provided with a ductI22 in communication with said tube and decreasing in size to arestricted opening I23 at the outer end thereof as shown in Figs. 6 and'1. The tube I20 is held against rotation by a key I24 (Fig. 5) which issecured to said tube and slidable in a key way I25 formed in the lowercap I I1.

Surrounding the tube I20 and interposed between the piston H9 and thebottom cap II1 of cylinder H4 is a spring I26 which is of sumcientstrength to lift the piston I I9, tube I20 and foot clamp I 2| when theair under pressure to the cylinder [I4 is shut off. In order to preventshock and damage to the foot clamp I2I when the same is raised by thespring I28 9. leather washer I21 0. the like is mounted on the tube I20between said foot clamp and the lower cap I I1.

The upper ends of the cylinders ill have connected therewithcorresponding ends of flexible conduits I28 the opposite ends of whichare connected with corresponding ends of conduits I20 (Fig. 4) extendingalong opposite sides of the feeder and supported by the brackets 98. Theopposite ends of the conduits I 29 are connected with conduits I29formed in brackets 99 and said conduits I29 are connected together by aconduit I30 (Figs. 2 and 4) extending transversely of the feeder.

Delivery of compressed air at the required predetermined intervals tothe cylinders H4 is effected by a valve I3I of the valve mechanism 84and a conduit I32 having one end connected with said valve and theopposite end connected with the conduit I23 in one of the brackets 99.Valve I3I is opened and closed at proper intervals by a cam I3I' that isfixed on and driven by the cam shaft I8.

When air under pressure is admitted in the cylinders II4, the air passesthrough the tubes I20, ducts I22, and the restricted openings I23 in thefoot clamps I2I. Due to the restricted openings I23 in the foot clampsI2I, the amount of compressed air expelled therefrom is less than theamount of air admitted into the cylinders I I4, and for this reason theexcess amount of air simultaneously acts on the upper sides of thepistons H9 and forces the same downwardly together with the tubes I20and foot clamps I2I against the tension of the springs I28 until thefoot clamps engage the pile beneath the separated and lifted rear cornerportions of the top sheet as shown in dotted line position in Figs. 5and 6 of the drawings. In this position of the foot clamps I2I the airdelivered therefrom between the separated and lifted uppermost sheet andthe one therebelow completely separates said uppermost sheet from thepile, and the underneath sheet is held against displacement by thepressure of the foot clamps thereon maintained by the air in thecylinders II4 until the completely separated and winded sheet is movedforward through the action of devices hereinafter described at whichtime the source of compressed air to said cylinders is disconnected andthe foot clamps I2I are raised from the pile through the expandingaction of the springs I26.

In order to prevent the suction separators I03 from separating more thanone sheet at a time from the pile, flexible stripper fingers I33 (Figs.1, 3 to 6) are provided which extend over and engage the oppositecorners of the pile adjacent the suction separators. These fingers I 33are secured in any suitable manner to vertically extending rods I34(Figs. 6 and '7) adjustably secured in suitable openings in blocks I35which are secured to the blow pipes 88.

When the uppermost sheet of the pile is separated and lifted by thesuction cups I01, the rear corners thereof are pulled from beneath thefingers I33 causing said corners to bend downwardly. Should two or moresheets adhere to the suction cups I01, this bending of the sheetsseparates their adjacent edges and the fingers I33 engage the edges ofthe sheet directly beneath the uppermost sheet and hold said sheet orsheets on the pile.

To further insure against separation of more than one sheet at a timefrom the pile, additional means are provided which consist of fingersI36 (Figs. 1 and 3) which are adjustably secured to the separatorcylinders I04. The lower ends of these fingers I36 project into the pathof travel of the sheets lifted from the pile by the suction cups I01 sothat if two or more sheets are simultaneousiy lifted from the pile bythe suction cups, and the excess sheet or sheets have not beenpreviously detached from the uppermost sheet by the stripper fingersI33, the corners of the uppermost sheet will be bent downwardly bycontact of the same with the fingers I36. This bending of the corners ofthe sheet causes the same to slide relative to the underneath sheet thusdetaching the same from said uppermost sheet and deflecting the excesssheet or sheets back onto the pile for engagement by the foot clampsI2I.

When the separated and lifted sheet has been winded it is forwarded fromthe pile by vacuum operated oscillating suction forwarding deviceslocated at the front of the feeder and which engage, lift and forwardthe separated and winded sheet to feed and drop rollers hereinafterdescribed. These forwarding devices are indicated broadly at I31 (Figs.1,2, 4 and 5) and the mounting, construction and operation of saidforwarding devices are the same as the mounting, construction andoperation of the forwarding devices disclosed in application SerialNumber 116,692 above referred to.

Each forwarding device I31 includes a cylinder I38 (Figs. 2 and 4)having a tubular stem I39 slidable therein to which is secured at thelower end thereof a rubber suction cup I40 that is vacuum operated inopposite directions to engage and lift each separated and winded sheet.Each cylinder I38 is adjustably secured, as by bolts I, to an arm I42that is keyed to, and slidable along, a rock shaft I43 to variouspositions of adjustment thereon. This rock shaft I43 extendstransversely of the feeder and is Joumalled in in suitable bearings inbrackets I44 (Fig. 5) which are bolted or otherwise suitably secured tothe side bars 55. The rock shaft I43 also has a bearing in a centerbracket I45 that is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to one of thestay shafts 9.

Oscillating movement is imparted to the rock shaft I43 and the sheetforwarding devices I31 carried thereby through the medium of an arm I46(Figs. 1 and 2) that is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to saldrockshaft andwhich is spring operated in one direction and cam operated inthe opposite direction as follows. Connected with the lower end of armI46 is one extremity of a spring I41 the opposite extremity of which isconnected with a pin I48 secured in a collar I49 that is bolted orotherwise suitably secured to the upper stay shaft 9. The arm I46 haspivotally connected therewith one end of a cam strap I50 through anopening in the opposite end of which the cam shaft I8 extends.Journalled in any suitable manner on the last named end of cam strap I50is a roller I5l which engages a cam I52 that is fixed on shaft I8 androtated thereby. It will thus appear that as shaft I8 is rotated the camI52 and the spring I41 will rock the arm I46 and the shaft I43 and thusimpart oscillating movement to the sheet forwarding devices I31.

Connected with the cylinders I38 at the upper ends thereof arecorresponding ends of flexible conduits I53 through which vacuum isestablished in said cylinders for actuating the suction cups I40vertically in opposite directions-to engage and lift the separated andwinded sheet. The opposite ends of the flexible conduits I53 areconnected with a conduit I54 (Figs. 2 and 4) extending transversely ofthe feeder and which is closed at both ends and secured in suitableopenings in the brackets 99. The conduits I00, IIO, I30 and I54extending transversely of the feeder are connected together by a bracketI55 (Figs. 2, 4 and 5) which also serves as a support for the conduit86.

Themaking and breaking of vacuum in the sheet forwarding devices I31 iscontrolled by a valve I56 of the valve mechanism 84. The valve I56 hasconnected therewith one end of a conduit I51 (Figs. 2 and 4) theopposite end of which is connected with the conduit ,I54, and said valveI56 is opened and elosed atproper intervals by a cam I 56'"that is fixedon and driven by the cam shaft I8.

When the sheet forwarding devices are swung rearwardly by the describedmeans for this purpose, vacuum is created in the cylinders I38 to drawthe suction cups I40 vertically in oppositedirections to engage and liftthe separated and winded sheet. About this time the vacuum in the sheetseparating devices I03 is broken to release the lifted rear portion ofthe sheetand the sheet forwarding devices are swung forward by thedescribed means for this purpose and carry the sheet adhering to thesuction cups I40 forwardly to conveying means that will be hereinafterdescribed.

After the uppermost sheet has been forwarde from the pile, vacuum isbroken in the sheet forwarding devices I31 and said sheet isreceived byconveying means for carrying the sheet into the machine orinstrumentality with which the feeder is associated. As herein shown theconveying means is preferably operated and constructed as follows.Extending transversely of the feeder and journalled in suitable bearingsin the front heads 5 is a feed roller I58 (Fig. 5)

, around which passes a series of conveyor tapes I59. The front portionsof the tapes I58 pass around other rollers (not shown) and said tapespass over a roller I60 (Figs. 2 and 5) that extends transversely of thefeeder and is journalled on nins I6I bolted or otherwise suitablysecured in the front heads 5. The tapes I59 also pass over a tubularroller I62 that extends transversely of the feeder and is journalled .ontubular bearings I63 (Fig. 2) bolted or otherwise suitably secured inbrackets I64. These brackets I64 are bolted or otherwise suitablysecured to the pins I6I and to shaft I65 which extend transversely ofthe feeder and are bolted or otherwise suitably secured in the frontheads v The feed roller I58 and conveyor tapes I59 passing around saidroller are driven from the continuously rotated cam shaft I8 as follows.Fixed on the cam shaft I8 is a large spur gear I66 (Fig. 2) which mesheswith a smaller gear I61 that is journalled in a suitable manner on oneof the front heads 5. Secured to or formed integrally with the gear I61is a larger gear I68 which meshes with an intermediate gear I69 that isalso journalled in a suitable manner on the adjacent front head 5. Thegear I69 meshes with a gear I10 that is fixed on the feed roller I58 andwhich through the described driving connections therefor with the camshaft I8 drives the feed roller I58 and the sheet conveying tapes I59.

Cooperating with the feed roller I58 are drop rollers I1I (Figs. 2 and5) journalled on arms I12 fixed 'on a rock shaft I13 which extendstransversely of the feeder and is journalled in suitable bearings in thefront heads 5 and in the center bracket I9. The rock shaft I13 has fixedthereon an arm I14 carrying, a roller I15 which bears against a cam I16bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the cam shaft I8. The rock shaftI13 is rocked in one direction by a spring (not shown) and in theopposite direction by the cam I16 which results in the raising andlowering of the drop rollers "I at pre-determined intervals. Operationof the drop rollers is so timed that they are raised when the sheetforwarding devices I31 deliver a sheet on to the feed roller I 58 andthe conveying tapes I59. After such delivery of the sheet and breakingof vacuum in the sheet I58 and the conveyor tapes I59.

The feeder is provided with a two speed mechanism for rapidly loweringand raising the elevator so that a supply of sheets may be placed onsaid elevator and moved into proper position for feeding. This mechanismis also utilized to reload the feeder and, in accordance with thepresent invention, is preferably constructed and operated as follows.Fixed on the shaft 65 at the end thereof opposite that carrying theclutch 14 and gear 12 is a part I11 of a clutch indicated broadly at I18(Fig. 2). This clutch I18 is of well known construction needing nodetailed description herein and includes another part I19 which isformed with a long solid hub I80 (Figs. 1 and 14) that is Joumalled in,and extends through, a suitable bearing in the adjacent front head 5 inline with the shaft 65.

Fixed on the outer end of hub I80 is a spur gear ,.I.8I (Figs. 1, 2'and14) which meshes with a similar gear I82 journalled in any suitablemanner on the adjacent front head 5. The gear I82 meshes with a similargear I83 also journalled in any suitable manner on the adjacent fronthead 5. This spur gear I83 meshes with a similar gear I84 (Fig. 14) thatis fixed on one end of a short shaft I85 (Fig. 2) journalled in suitablebearings in the bracket 25. Fixed on the opposite end of the short shaftI85 is a large spur gear I86 and a small spur gear I8'I for driving therotatable parts of the two speed mechanism indicated broadly at I88(Figs. 1 to 3 and 8 to 13) for rapidly lowering and raising theelevator.

Referring to Figs. 8 to 13 this two speed mechanism I88 is preferablyoperated and constructed as follows. Keyed to one end of the worm shaft23, as at I89, is a disc I90 provided at opposite sides thereof with ahub I9I and a hub I92. Rotatably mounted on the hub I9I at one side ofthe disc I90 is a large cylindrical casing I93 formed externally thereofwith a gear I94 which meshes with the small gear I8'I on the short shaftI85. Rotatably mounted on the hub I92 at the opposite side of the discI90 is a smaller gear I95 which meshes with the large gear I86 on theshort shaft I85. It will thus appear that due to the difference indiameters of the gears I94 and I8! and the gears I95 and I86, the gearsI94 and I95 will be driven at different speeds. The two speed mechanismI88 is secured against 'endwise displacement on the worm shaft 23 by acollar I96 bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the worm shaft.

Secured to the casing I93 and to the gear I95 at opposite sides of thedisc I90, as by bolts I97, are reversely disposed ratchet wheels I98 andI99 (Figs. 10 and 11) adapted to be engaged by reversely disposed pawls200 and 20I respectively. These pawls 200 and 20I are pinned orotherwise suitably secured to the opposite ends of a stud 202 that isloosely mounted in a suitable opening 202 in the disc I90. It will thusappear that the gear I94 through engagement of the pawl 200 with theratchet wheel I98 thereon will drive the disc I90 in one direction at alow speed, and that the gear I 95 through engagement of the pawl 20Iwith the ratchet wheel I99 will drive the disc I90 in the oppositedirection at a high speed. The low speed drive is utilized to raise theelevator with a supply of sheets to the proper feeding position, and thehigh speed drive is utilized to lower the elevator to the properposition to receive a supply of sheets. It is therefore necessary tolift and hold one pawl out of engagement with its respective ratchetwheel while the other pawl is in operating position. Such engagement anddisengagement of the pawls 200 and 20I from the ratchet wheels I98 andI99 is effected automatically and accomplished as follows.

Secured in any suitable manner to each pawl 200 and 20I on the sidethereof adjacent the disc I90 is a segmental plate 203 (Figs. 9 to 12)provided with a small opening 204 and a large opening 205. The openings204 and 205 in one of the plates 203 are reversed so that a smallopening in one plate is in line with a large opening in the oppositeplate. Loosely mounted in the small openings 204 of the plates 203 aresmall pins 206 (Figs. 8 to 11) which are reversely disposed with respectto each other and extend through an arcuate slot 201 formed in the discI90. These pins 206 have enlarged heads 208 that pass through the largeopenings 205 in the plates 203 and into frictional contact with theratchet wheels I98 and I99 respectively. The pins 206 are held inengagement with the ratchet wheels I98 and I99 by springs 209surrounding the same and interposed between the heads 208 and the plates203.

When the gears I94 and I95 and ratchet wheels I98 and I 99 thereon arerotated counterclockwise in the direction of the full line arrowindicated in Figs. 10 and 11, the pawls 200 and 20I through frictionalengagement of the pins 206 with the rotating ratchet wheels I98 and I99are rotated in..a clockwise direction thus lowering the pawl 200 intoengagement with the ratchet wheel I98 and raising the pawl 20I out ofengagement with the ratchet wheel I99 as shown in the full linepositions in Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings. Engagement of the pawl 200with the ratchet wheel I98 rotates the disc I90 counterclockwise which,in turn, rotates the worm shaft 23 in the proper direction to raise theelevator at low speed.

When the gears I94 and I95 and ratchet wheels I98 and I 99 are rotatedclockwise in the direction of the dotted line arrow indicated in Figs. 1

l0 and 11, the pawls 200 and 20I are rotated counterclockwise by thepins 206 thus raising the pawl 200 out of engagement with the ratchetwheel I98 and lowering the pawl 20I into engagement with the ratchetwheel I99 as shown in the dotted line positions in Figs. 9 and 10 of thedrawings. Engagement of the pawl 20I with the ratchet wheel I99 rotatesthe disc I90 clockwise to lower the elevator at high speed.

As hereinbefore described, the motor 60 which drives the two speedmechanism also drives the pump 69 and when the two speed mechanism I88is employed to rapidly raise and lower the elevator it is desirable todisconnect said pump from the motor to take the load of the pumptherefrom and it is also necessary to disconnect the pawl and ratchetmechanism 26, 28 for intermittently operating the elevator. The meansfor connecting and disconnecting the pump, the two speed mechanism andthe pawl and ratchet mechanism is preferably constructed and operated asfollows. Extending transversely of the feeder through the tubular taperoller I62 and slidable in suitable hearings in the front heads 5 is ashaft 2I0 (Fig. 2) provided on one end thereof with spaced collars 2IIhaving engaged th-erebetween the upper end of a lever 2I2 which ispivotally mounted on a bracket 2I3 that is bolted or otherwise suitablysecured to one of the front heads 5. Fixed on the shaft 2I0 at one sidethereof is a fork 2I4 which engages a device 2I5 loosely and slidablymounted on the pump drive shaft 65 for connecting and disconnecting theparts of the clutch I4. The slidable shaft 2I0 has also fixed thereon atthe opposite side thereof a fork 2I6 that engages a device 2I'I looselyand slidably mounted on the pump shaft 65 and serving to connect anddisconnect the parts of the clutch I18.

Secured in any suitable manner on the opposite end of the slidable shaft2I0 is a collar 2I8 (Figs. 1 and 3) provided with a pin 2I9. This pin2I9 extends into a suitable opening formed in the arm 220 of a doublearm lever 22I which is pivotally mounted on a bracket 222 (Fig. 14) thatis bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the bracket 25. The other arm223 of the lever 22I is provided with a suitable opening into whichextends a. pin 224 secured in any suitable manner separated sheet andholding the remaining sheets of the supply against movement, means forsupplying air under pressure to the movable sheet winding and holdingmeans to wind the separated sheets, and means actuated by the airsupplied under pressure to said sheet winding and holding means formoving the latter into sheet winding and holding position.

5. In a sheet feeder, means for elevating portions of a sheet to partlyseparate the same from a supply of sheets, means movable under thepartly separated sheet for winding said sheet to further separate itfrom the supply, and means for pneumatically moving said movable windingmeans under said sheet when it has been partly separated from saidsupply by said first named means.

6. In a sheet feeder, means for separating a sheet from a supply ofsheets, means for forwarding the separated sheet from the supply, meansmovable under the separated sheet into engagement with the supply forholding the remaining sheets of said supply against movement, and meansfor pneumatically moving said movable holding means into engagement withthe supply under said sheet when the latter has been separated from saidsupply by said first named means.

7. In a sheet feeder, means for elevating portions of a sheet to partlyseparate the same from a supply of sheets, means for forwarding thesheet from the supply when said sheet has been further separatedtherefrom, means movable under the partly separated sheet intoengagement with the supply for winding the sheet to further separate itfrom the supply and holding the remaining sheets of said supply againstmovement, and means for pneumatically moving said winding and holdingmeans into sheet winding and holding position on the supply and undersaid sheet when the latter is partly separated from said supply by saidfirst named means.

8. In a sheet feeder, means for separating sheets one after anotherfrom-a supply of sheets, winding means adjacent the supply for directinga blast of air beneath each separated sheet, means supporting thewinding means for movement in opposite directions toward and away fromthe supply, means for supplying air under pressure to the winding means,a device operated by said air for moving the winding means in onedirection and means for moving said winding means in the oppositedirection.

9. In. a sheet feeder, means for separating sheets one after anotherfrom a supply of sheets, means for forwarding each separated sheet fromthe supply, holding means adjacent the supply movable into engagementtherewith under a separated sheet to prevent any sheet or sheets of thesupply from being forwarded with the separated sheet, means supportingthe holding means for movement in opposite directions toward and awayfrom the supply, means for supplying air under pressure to the holdingmeans, a device operated by said air for moving the holding means in onedirection, and means for moving said holding means in the oppositedirection.

10. In a sheet feeder, suction means for separating sheets one afteranother from the top and rear of a supply of sheets, means forforwarding each separated sheet from the supply, means normally removedfrom the supply adapted to engage the same beneath each separated sheetto wind said sheet and hold down the remaining sheets of said supply asthe separated sheet is being forwarded, and means for pneumaticallymoving the last named means into engagement with the supply and underthe separated sheets upon separation of each sheet from said supply.

'11. In a sheet feeder, means for separating sheets one after anotherfrom a supply of sheets, means for forwarding each separated sheet fromthe supply, a hollow foot clamp adapted to engage the supply between thelatter and each separated sheet to wind each separated sheet and preventmovement of the remaining sheets of the supply, a source of compressedair, means connected with the hollow foot clamp and the source ofcompressed air for delivering air under pressure through the foot clampto wind the separated sheets, and means actuated by said air for movingsaid foot clamp to sheet winding and supply engaging position betweensaid supply and each sheet separated therefrom.

12. In a sheet feeder, means for separating sheets one after anotherfrom a supply of sheets, means for forwarding each separated sheet fromthe supply, means adapted to engage the supply between the latter andeach separated sheet to wind said sheet and prevent movement of theremaining sheets of the supply, saidlast named means comprising anangularly adjustable inclined cylinder, a piston slidable in saidcylinder, a hollow stem connected with said piston, a hollow foot clampsecured to said stem, and means for periodically directing air underpressure into said cylinder against said pistonand through said footclamp to simultaneously engage said foot clamp with the supply and windeach sheet separated therefrom.

13. In a sheet feeder, sheet winding means movable in oppositedirections toward and away from a supply of sheets, means for deliveringair under pressure to 'the sheet winding means,

means actuated by said air for moving the sheet winding means in onedirection, and means for moving said sheet winding means in the oppositedirection.

14. In a sheet feeder, a device forwi ndin8 sheets of a supply andmovable in opposite directions toward and. away from the same, means fordelivering air under pressure to said device, means actuated by said airfor moving the device in one direction, and spring means for moving saiddevice in the opposite direction.

15. In a sheet feeder, a device for winding sheets of a supply andmovable toward and away from the same, means for delivering air underpressure to said device, means actuated by said air for pneumaticallymoving the device-toward the supply, and means for moving the deviceaway from the supply.

16. In'a sheet feeder, a device periodically movable into engagementwith a supply of sheets for preventing a succeeding sheet or sheets frombeing forwarded with a preceding sheet, means supporting the device formovement thereof in opposite directions toward and away from the supplyacross the margin thereof, means for pneumatically moving the device inone direction across the margin of the supply, and means for moving saiddevice in the opposite direction across said margin.

1'7. In a sheet feeder, a foot clamp periodically movable intoengagement with a supply of sheets across the margin thereof forpreventing movement of a succeeding sheet or sheets with a precedingsheet, means for pneumatically moving the foot clamp into engagementwith the supply across the margin thereof, and spring means for in thebracket 46 that supports the plunger housing 45. Secured to or formed'iffle'gi'aHy with the bracket 46 is a fork 225 (Fig. 14) engaging in agrove of the pawl mask 5| that is slidably as well as rotatably mountedon the worm shaft 23.

When it is desired to initially load the feeder the elevator may, forthis purpose, be lowered to the proper position bymoving the lever 2I2so thatithe armature shaft 6f thereof rotates in the direction of thearrow Dshown in Fig. l, of the drawings. When the lever 2I2 ismoveddfi'aforesaid, the slidable shaft 2H) is moved to the left (Fig.IA) and thereby moves the devices 2I5 arid III to the left connectingthe two parts of the clutch. I18 and disconnecting the two parts of theclutch 1.4. At the same time, the fork 225 and the pawl mask 5I (Figs. 3and'14) are moved to lift-,the pawl26 out of engagement with the}ratchet 28 if said pawl is not already disengaged therefrom.

The pafits-of the clutch I18 having been connected, as described, theshaft 23 is rotated clockwise as @yiewed in Fig. 1 through engagement ofpawl ZIII with the ratchet wheel I99 on the fast speed gjiar I95. Thedescribed connections for shaft 23 with t "elevator chains 34 are thenrotatedso that he latter and the elevator are lowered at a fast speed.As soon as the elevator has reached the proper position for loading, themotor 60 is stopped and the elevator is loaded with a supply or. pile ofsheets in the usual manner.

The elevator and said pile or supply are then raised to the properposition for feeding of the sheets successively from the top of saidpile or supply. This is accomplished by starting the motor 68 so thatthe armature shaft BI thereof rotates in the direction of arrow U shownin Fig. 1 of the drawiiigs. The shaft 23 is then rotatedcounterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 1 through engagement of the pawl 200with the ratchet wheel I98 on the low speed gear I84 thus raising theelevator and the pile of sheets thereon until the top of the pilereaches the proper level for feeding of the sheets one after anothertherefrom.

At this time, the motor 68 is stopped and the lever H2 is swung to theleft (Fig. 2) thus disconnecting the parts of the clutch I18 and moving'the pawl mask BI back again to its normal position. At the same time,the parts of the clutch I4 are connected to drive the pump 69. The wormshaft 23 now being disconnected from the armature shaft 6|, feeding ofthe sheets from the top of the pile one after another may now beaccomplished by starting the motor 68 so that the armature shaft GI isrotated in the direction of the arrow D (Fig. 1). When the supply ofsheets has been exhausted, the feeder may be reloaded by lowering andraising the elevator as described through the medium of the mechanismfor this purpose driven from the motor 60. A hand wheel 226 is alsofixed on the short shaft I85 to enable manual lowering and raising ofthe elevator if desired.

The operation of the feeder will be clearly understood from theforegoing description and may be briefly summarized as follows. Theelevator having been loaded and the pile of sheets having been movedupwardly to proper position by the described means for this purpose,feeding of the sheets one after another from the top of the pile may beaccomplished by driving the jack shaft I I and parts connectedtherewith, starting the motor 60 so that the armature shaft 6I thereofrotates in the direction of the arrow D (Fig. 1) and starting the pumpshaft I0 through movement of the lever 2I2 to the left (Fig. 2) so as toconnect the parts of the clutch "I4. Air under pressure supplied fromthe pump 69 to the blow pipes 88 is delivered through the nozzles 81ggainst the rear upper corner portions of the pile "of sheets 39 to theright" (Fig. 2) and lstat-ting the motor 60,-)"

so that said portions are winded or partially separated. The sheetseparators I03, through the described connections therefor with the pump69 then act, as before described, to engage and lift the uppermost sheetat the rear end thereof.

After the sheet has been engaged and lifted, as described, the footclamps I2I, through the described connections therefor with the pump 69,are moved downwardly into engagement with the top of the pile beneaththe engaged and lifted sheet, and the engaged and lifted sheet is thenwinded by compressed air supplied through the foot clamps and deliveredthereby between said sheet and the pile. This completely lifts andseparates the sheet from the one below and the separated, lifted andwinded sheet is then engaged near the front thereof by the sheetforwarding devices I3I that have been swung rearwardly by the describedmeans for this purpose. These devices lift the sheet at the frontthereof and swing forwardly, thus carrying the sheet between the drivenfeed roller I58 and the raised drop rollers III while the next sheet onthe pile is held thereon by the foot clamps I2I The sheet forwardingdevices then release the sheet whereupon the drop rollers are loweredthereon and the feed roller I58 and the tapes I59 carry the separatedand forwarded sheet on strumentality with which the feeder isassociated. These operations are repeated in the order named, onceduring each cycle of operation of the feeder, so that the sheets are fedin succession from the top of the pile to said machine or otherinstrumentality.

While one embodiment of the present invention is herein illustrated anddescribed with more or less particularity, it is to be expresslyunderstood that the invention is not limited to said embodiment orotherwise than by the terms of the appended claims.

What we claim is:

1. In a sheet feeder, means for separating sheets successively from asupply of sheets, means for forwarding each separated sheet from thesupply, and pneumatically operated means movable into position undereach separated sheet for holding the remaining sheets of the supplyagainst movement.

2. In a sheet feeder, means for separating sheets successively from asupply of sheets, and pneumatically operated means movable into positionunder each separated sheet between the latter and said supply forwinding each separated sheet.

3. In a sheet feeder, means for separating sheets successively from asupply of sheets, means for forwarding each separated sheet from thesupply, movable means for winding each separated sheet, means forsupplying air under pressure to the movable sheetwinding means, andmeans actuated by the air supplied under pressure to said sheet windingmeans for moving the latter into sheet winding position.

4. In a sheet feeder, suction means for separating sheets successivelyfrom a supply of sheets, means for forwarding each separated sheet fromthe supply, movable means for winding each means for moving the deviceaway from the supply to disengage the foot clamp therefrom.

30. In a sheet feeder, a stationary cylinder, a piston theerin, atubular foot clamp and blow pipe disposed externally of the cylinder andconnected therethrough with the piston, means connected with thecylinder for delivering. air under pressure therein against the pistonand through the foot clamp and blow pipe to move the latter in onedirection into sheet winding and clamping position, and means for movingthe piston and the foot clamp and blow pipe in the opposite direction.

31. In a sheet feeder, a stationary inclined cylinder, a piston therein,a tubular foot clamp and blow pipe disposed exteriorly of the cylinderand connected therethrough with the piston, means connected with thecylinder for delivering air under pressure therein against the pistonand through the foot clamp and blow pipe to move the latter in onedirection into sheet winding and clamping position, and spring meansinterposed between the cylinder and piston for moving the latter and thefoot clamp and blow pipe in the opposite direction.

32. In a sheet feeder, suction sheet separating means, valve controlledmeans for making and breaking vacuum in the suction sheet separatingmeans at proper intervals, sheet winding means movable into sheetwinding position, valve controlled means for delivering compressed airthrough the sheet winding means at proper intervals to wind the sheets,and means actuated by said air for moving said sheet winding means intosaid position.

33. In a sheet feeder, suction sheet separating means and suction sheetforwarding means, valve means, sheet forwarding means, sheet holdingmeans movable under a sheet separated from a supply into engagement withunseparated sheets thereof, valve controlled means for making andbreaking vacuum in the suction sheet separating means at properintervals. valve controlled means for delivering compressed air to thesheet holding means at proper intervals, and means actuated by said airfor moving said sheet holding means under said separated sheet and intoengagement with said unseparated sheets.

35. In a sheet feeder, suction sheet moving means, sheet winding andholding means, valve controlled means for making and breaking vacuum inthe suction sheet moving means at proper intervals, valve controlledmeans for delivering compressed air through the sheet winding andholding means at proper intervals to wind a sheet moved by the suctionsheet moving means relative to a supply, and means actuated by said airfor moving said sheet winding and holding means into position to windsaid sheet and hold the remaining sheets of said supply againstmovement.

JOHN H. MCELROY. FREDERICK G. BINDER. EDWARD J. YEO.

